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This micrograph shows calcium oxalate crystals in urine.
Source: By NASA/JSC [Public domain], via Wikimedia
Understanding Complete Urinalysis
We need to understand the function of the whole urinary tract system. It removes toxins and waste products from are bodies and helps keep the correct volume and fluid composition of the blood. The production of urine and the passing of urine accomplish the process. The whole urinary system is made up of the bladder, two kidneys, two ureters and a urethra.
Human urine can be made up of a great deal of different substances according to what a person consumes. Food, drink, drugs, supplements, and even substances absorbed through the skin can change the composition of urine. Most urine has urea,, ammonia, sulfates, and other common organic and inorganic substances.
A complete urinalysis looks at the visual characteristics of the urine, chemical composition, and microscopic composition.
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| human urine in specimen container (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
The following is a list of the characteristics that a urinalysis looks at
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| Quicktest for urine (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Physical
Color - It varies from light yellow to amber. The presence of blood that can be seen may be a concern. Food and the level of hydration of the patient can cause color change. Certain drugs may also color urine
Odor - The stronger the ammonia scent the urine has the more likely bacteria is present.
Turbidity- Cloudy urine can indicate the presence of mucus or bacteria and be a sign of infection.
Specific Gravity- Low gravity can indicate renal failure and high can indicate kidney disease.
PH- High alkaline content can mean bacteria is present
Chemical Composition
Protein normally does not pass through the kidneys so it present indicates something abnormal but not necessarily pathological It can pregnancy or increase protein in the diet. It can also indicate inflammation or toxins are present.
Glucose- Again not usually present in urine, it can indicate diabetes.
Ketones - Indicates a breakdown of fat in the body. Some people measure ketenes to indicate that diets are working; otherwise it can be a sign of diabetes.
Urobilinogen - In small amounts it means nothing , but if it is too high it indicates liver disease.
Bilirubin -High amounts indicate gall bladder issues or liver disease.
Nitrite - It presence can indicate bacteria. If present in a sample of urine that has sat out it may not indicate an infection.
Leukocytes- There presence in urine can indicate infection especially when nitrates are present in higher levels.
Microscopic Examination
Epithelial Cells- may indicate that the sample was not a clean catch
Crystals
Bacteria- May be the source of an infection or the by product of the collection process or the storage process of the urine sample.
Yeast- May indicate diabetes , lowered immune system , or some type of fungal infection.
Interpretation of an complete urinalysis will ultimately be left to a medical doctor or nurse practitioner. Most people need to have any positive results from a home urinalysis test confirmed by their care In the case of infections a culture may need to be grown in order for the doctor to determine the best course of care for the patient. Still there are some simple interpretations we can make for even home urine tests, if we have elevated values.
There is an urgent need to follow up with a provider if blood clots are seen in the urine because it may be an indication of the presence of cancer. Still, most of the time blood in urine is an indication of less serious conditions and a there is no need to panic, but to consult your primary care provider right away.
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| Gram-positive bacteria, stained purple, of both the bacillus ( rod-shaped ) and coccus (spherical) forms. A few Gram-negative bacteria are also present, stained pink. Numbered ticks are eleven (11) microns apart. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
http://library.med.utah.edu/WebPath/TUTORIAL/URINE/URINE.html
http://www.drsperoni.com/downloads/articles/Urinalysis_Results_Interpretation.pdf
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